Late Touchdown Sparks Loyola Past Cougars

Stephen Faulk broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to help lead Los Angeles Loyola to 17-14 victory over Capistrano Valley in the second round of the Southern Section Division I playoffs Friday night at Glendale High.

Faulk, the Cubs’ leading scorer, has been used mostly on defense in the playoffs. He carried the ball only twice, but the second one gave Loyola a 17-6 lead with 8 minutes 27 seconds left in the game.

The Cougars (8-4) came back on the passing of Austin Moherman to narrow the lead to three points. Moherman capped an 80-yard, six-play drive, with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Todd Puffer and a two-point conversion pass to Austin Allen with 5:56 left in the game.

Loyola (11-1) intercepted two passes in the final two minutes of the game to preserve the victory.

Capistrano Valley scored on its second possession of the game, covering 63 yards on nine plays. Charlie Landrigan gained the final 15 on three rushing plays, scoring from the three. Matt Donoho’s extra-point try was blocked by Andy Kirwan, giving the Cougars a 6-0 lead with 2:01 left in the first quarter.

Loyola got a big break in the second quarter when Eric Ettlin, after a 12-yard reception, fumbled, giving the Cubs the ball on the Capistrano Valley 47. Loyola capitalized and scored on a four-yard touchdown pass from Ray Kasper to Antoine Harris. Mike MacGillivray kicked the extra point to give the Cubs a 7-6 lead with 27 seconds left in the first half.

Loyola increased its lead to 10-6 on a 43-yard field goal by MacGillivray.

The Capistrano Valley defense dominated the game but couldn’t overcome five turnovers. Landrigan paced the defensive unit with three tackles for losses. Loyola was held to 86 yards total offense in the first half.

Jose Mendoza, starting ahead of Faulk, carried the ball 21 times for 77 yards for the Cubs.

Malaefou MacKenzie had 53 yards rushing, 41 yards receiving, and 47 yards on kick returns for Capistrano Valley.

Moherman closed his career at Capistrano Valley, completing 11 of 23 passes for 173 yards.